Falcons trade for cornerback Asante Samuel
Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel runs with the ball after intercepting a pass during a game against the Falcons last season. Associated Press.
FLOWERY BRANCH — For Asante Samuel, it was a simple business matter.
Once his agent, Alonzo Shavers, and Falcons negotiator Nick Polk finished their numbers crunching, the Falcons traded a seventh-round pick in this year’s draft to the Philadelphia Eagles to complete the deal for the four-time Pro Bowler on Wednesday.
“I’m happy to be a Falcon,” said Samuel, who’ll be expected to help improve the team’s pass defense. “I know the city is embracing me. I’m excited. I know the Falcons already have an excellent team, excellent coaches, schemes and talent. I’m just going to add to [that and] try to get to the one common goal.”
The Falcons re-structured Samuel’s contract that called for him to make $9.9 million in 2012 and $11.4 million in 2013. They agreed to a three-year, $18.5 million deal.
“What was important for us was that he become a Falcon,” Shavers said. “From that standpoint, it was about as extensive as it gets. We were able to come up with something that they can live with and we can live with.”
Samuel said he doesn’t have a preference as to whether he plays left or right cornerback.
“I’m a confident guy,” Samuel said. “I’m going to always have confidence, and that’s how I play and how I operate on a daily basis. I’m going to come into this thing and be ready to compete.”
Over the past two seasons, Brent Grimes has played on the left side and Dunta Robinson has started on the right. The Falcons have struggled at nickel back as Brian Williams, Christopher Owens, Dominique Franks and Kelvin Hayden all played that spot over the past two seasons.
Falcons coach Mike Smith considers the nickel back to be a starter.
The Falcons have a lot of their salary cap tied up at cornerback, with Samuel and Robinson averaging $6 million apiece. On Tuesday, Grimes, signed his one-year, $10.281 million franchise tender.
Samuel believes the trio will work together just fine.
“I think it’s going to be good,” Samuel said. “Those guys are very talented and well-established. Brent Grimes is coming off the last two years. He’s adjusted and is making some big plays. Dunta has been doing his thing since he’s been there. … We are all going to come in and work together to make this thing the best that it’s ever been.”
Samuel, 31, was with the Patriots when Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff was the director of college scouting there. Dimitroff coveted Samuel last season, but the Eagles’ asking price — a second-round pick — was considered too steep at the time.
He was drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round (120th overall) of the 2003 draft out of Central Florida.
“We talked every time that we played each other,” Samuel said of Dimitroff. “That definitely had a lot to do with it. He definitely made me feel comfortable.”
Dimitroff was elated to pull of the trade. “Asante has established himself as a very productive player during his career,” Dimitroff said. “He is a proven player in this league, and we feel that this move upgrades the talent of our roster.”
Samuel’s days in Philadelphia were numbered after they signed Nnamdi Asomugha and acquired Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in July. The Eagles had tried to trade him since.
Samuel didn’t endear himself to management when he said the Eagles were “playing fantasy football with the owner’s money.”
However, Samuel said he enjoyed his time with the Eagles and had no hard feelings toward the organization.
“I know everybody can’t figure why this is happening and why it is going this way, but business is business,” Samuel said.
Samuel has 45 career interceptions in nine seasons, fourth among active players. His 38 interceptions since 2006 lead the league.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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317 comments Add your comment
LastPLace
April 25th, 2012
8:39 am
Last! Booyah
LastPLace
April 25th, 2012
8:40 am
Oh wait, I must be lost…
My Thoughts
April 25th, 2012
8:40 am
When we sign him do we see a trade of someone else for draft picks ??
SeenThisBFalcon
April 25th, 2012
8:43 am
Oh hell f ya…NOWS THAT WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT GO FALCONS…TIME TO RISE UP!!!!!
SeenThisBFalcon
April 25th, 2012
8:44 am
I’M DEFINITELY GETTING MY TICKETS NOW!!!!!
freedyg
April 25th, 2012
8:45 am
1st
PMC
April 25th, 2012
8:48 am
Splash Splash Splash.
Interesting they would get a CB on the first week of OTA’s.
They have a pattern though. They make moves like these to shore up need positions before the draft so that if high value guys fall they are in the position where they can make that move.
Samuel is the kind of player they need underneath. A risk taking ball hawk.
jay
April 25th, 2012
8:48 am
this is our first round pick. Now please stop all the bishing about trading away our draft.
Falkor
April 25th, 2012
8:48 am
I love this move, but I think that it will lead to Ovie being cut as a cap casualty
Rod "straight outta Augusta" Johnson
April 25th, 2012
8:51 am
I don’t think we need anymore draft picks. We have enough guys with little game time experience. It’s obvious TD has gone into a win now mode. Let’s face the facts here, this is probably Gonzo last year. McClure, Abraham, Clabo, Babs, White, and Turner are not getting any younger. How often do teams showcase a Hall of Fame TE, 2 GREAT WRs, and an awesome RB? Yep, time is now.
I like the potential of Asante coming to Atlanta. He is a great physical guy and demands a lot of respect in this league. My biggest fear is our secondary of the future (DFranks and DWalls) development being staggered for those 2 yrs. Both guys are primed to be great contributors for years to come.
jay
April 25th, 2012
8:51 am
Falkor, I think all Falcons fans love Ovie, but he is overpaid and coming off a bad knee injury. Hopfeully he will just restructure.
kappellmeister
April 25th, 2012
8:53 am
Guess Mr. Grimes couldn’t sign his tender fast enough once all this came to light. His girl must have finally given him permission.
Oh, and fire Herschel Talker.
Jay
April 25th, 2012
8:53 am
Yes Sir! Trust in our Front Office! We need to attitude on this defense also, great move
Falcon Man
April 25th, 2012
8:55 am
Get it done Thomas !!!
Asante Samuel to Falcons said close – ESPN - Bowie TX Rocks
April 25th, 2012
9:00 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Falcon 4 Life
April 25th, 2012
9:08 am
Thank you TD. I still think you had not done enough, until this trade! You have restored my faith! I was not calling for any heads, as you may note, but, I was and still am calling for a righting of the SHIP! GO FALCONS!
Trippmeister
April 25th, 2012
9:08 am
This is an awesome move! I’ll place a first bet for a passing defense that will now be in the top ten. Now we can concentrate on OL, DL & TE in draft.
Also, I have a good friend who has been a season ticket holder for years and he has been diagnosed with multiple tumors. With his time limited, a championship season would be a sure-fire way of putting a smile on his face. Thank you all for any prayer support – get well Alyn!! Rise up Falcons!
TD Mike
April 25th, 2012
9:08 am
Woo Hoo! Welcome to Atlanta!
THE INFAMOUS DK
April 25th, 2012
9:12 am
You have a few candidates you can let the door hit em where the good Lord split em and to make this deal happen.
Joe
April 25th, 2012
9:14 am
Woot Woot!! Yo Momma’s on Crack Rock!!
THE INFAMOUS DK
April 25th, 2012
9:15 am
Man damn Ovie-paid! Bye Sir. And Sam Baker needs to be holding hands with him as he walks out or is tossed out the door.
Falkor
April 25th, 2012
9:19 am
This move shows us the focus of Mike Nolan and his Defensive scheme. We weren’t willing to pay Lofton big money as a middle linebacker because it is not a position of emphasis in Nolan’s D, but in today’s NFL that money is well spent on a trio of solid CB’s.
I like it, and I have confidence in the direction we have taken.
Stank Wren
April 25th, 2012
9:22 am
If Grimes plays under the franchise tag, Falcons will have almost $30 million tied up in the combined salary of Grimes, Samuel, and Robinson. That is one pricy secondary
Stank Wren
April 25th, 2012
9:22 am
$30 million in 2012
SeenThisBFalcon
April 25th, 2012
9:24 am
Its about time go Falcons…..
fansince74
April 25th, 2012
9:25 am
The Falcons suddenly have a very, very good secondary!
THE INFAMOUS DK
April 25th, 2012
9:30 am
Let Grimes play under the franchise tag this year. Then if he doesnt work out this year in the scheme. You owe him nothing. And that gives you one more year to develope Franks and Walls. Walls brings the pain and is a tall physical corner. His development this year will be critical. They are setting Grimes up for the okie doke and he’s listening to that greedy broad of his.
David
April 25th, 2012
9:32 am
He’s old but nonetheless this is helluva move by the birds to get a damn good CB for a low level pick! He makes our entire defense better and gives us a very good trio of CB! I am very happy with this move and hopefully our new agressive defense can give our secondary more opportunities for TO
Chub Rock
April 25th, 2012
9:34 am
Dunta Robinson better be in outstanding shape this season because every ball will be thrown in his direction.
Glenn
April 25th, 2012
9:39 am
Cox could move into the starting fullback role as he showed he could handle the position well the end of the year in Atlanta as well as his playing time in KC. Couple that with the fact that Atlanta will be going more into a spread offense with Rodgers and multiple wideouts at the same time on the field together, then the fullback role will become less important. That should allow for one reduction in a higher salary right off the get-go. Getting a long-term deal in place with Grimes and Samuel could reduce both of their annuals, and I would venture to guess another player or two, like Ryan, would also be willing to restructure to get additional dollars to get this deal done.
Bluto
April 25th, 2012
9:41 am
Waiting for Aints fans to show up and crap on this….
Gwinnett Fred
April 25th, 2012
9:44 am
Certainly something to get excited about – but the linebackers better get ready to do a lot of tackling of running backs!
Joe
April 25th, 2012
9:45 am
I just pooped a bit….
Gwinnett Fred
April 25th, 2012
9:46 am
Bluto: Between boumties, cheating (felony activity really) and early playoff departures the last 2 years – Aint’s fans don’t have a whole lot to be saying right now.
Like Wut I See
April 25th, 2012
9:52 am
Somrtimes moves do not work out, but the Falcons at least try and do not just sit back. I believe in this organization and Arthur Blank. Unlike the Hawks who just stand pat and trade picks for cash, the Falcons organization is about trying to contend for the CHIP. Great job !!!
Dr. Warren
April 25th, 2012
9:55 am
The truth is, with Samuel, the Falcons would have 2 solid cornerbacks + Dunte Robinson. Yet, if Ray Edwards comes through in the new defense, Abraham can hold up somehow, and we can replace Lofton’s production, we should at least be a middle-of-the-pack defense.
SirReal
April 25th, 2012
9:56 am
@David Geez when did 31 become ancient?lol Champ Bailey’s like 36 and still plays at a high level. Think maybe Samuel could be something similar?
I like the move for a few reasons:
1) This puts pressure on both Grimes and Robinson. Grimes has to play up to that tender and set himself up for a new deal. Robinson just flat out has to play with some sense or he’ll be cut next year. I think he knows it too. Its time for him to stop hustling Blank and actually show some semblance of living up to his contract.
2) Depth depth depth!!! We’d have 3 guys who together, though pricey, would and should be significantly better this year.
3) With the QBs we face this year….we had to have another guy with good experience. This should slow down that Aints offense, keep Cam half-caged, and make Freeman sweat a bit
4) Last but certainly not least, IT WOULD BRING A PLAYER TO OUR LOCKER ROOM THATS ACTUALLY BEEN SOMEWHERE AND HAS THE RINGS TO PROVE IT!! We need more vets that have been to the post season especially in the secondary.
FalconsRealFan
April 25th, 2012
10:00 am
everybody crapping on ovie….the running game took a nosedive when he got injured. He’s a valuable blocker who can catch the ball out the backfield.
Ask Turner last year if he really missed Ovie.
I bet Turner and the rest of backfield will be glad to see him back
SirReal
April 25th, 2012
10:00 am
It’ll be expensive this year but I guarantee you that 1 of 3 willo be gone the next..my guess is Robinson…..I’ve been totallyt disappointed in him the last couple years. Hopefully he gets some cleats without grease on the bottom of them this year.
THE INFAMOUS DK
April 25th, 2012
10:10 am
Ovie is a great full bck but we PAID too much for a fullback.
The Falcons will be in ore of a 3-4 at times anyway so the Samuel move makes sense.
PMC
April 25th, 2012
10:16 am
If Louis Delmas horribly uncoordinated submarine dive at Ovie’s kneecap wasn’t an indicator that Ovie was worth it (0 offensive pts in a playoff game) I don’t know what would be. Oh he didn’t mean it. Sure, he just tripped slipped and aimed his helmet strait into Ovie’s knee.
Sorry Lou, either you meant to, or you are incredibly clumsy.
Now Ovie may not be able to make a living in the NFL anymore.
D man
April 25th, 2012
10:16 am
Great news, now if we can shore up the O-line, we will be a great team with a real shot at the SB. Go Falcons… Hey, where are all of those Saints fans that used to be here?
falconsrelax
April 25th, 2012
10:20 am
This is a great pickup and TD does and shows it again. STanding ovation because this is the NFL. 3 good CBs and TD does all of this in a year with getting one of the best defensive coordinators in the league. We have a good shot now. Making moves and taking names. Will be an exciting season
The Grinch
April 25th, 2012
10:21 am
At this point even the most negative fans can’t say Blank isn’t doing his best to make us happy.
Samuel L. Jackson
April 25th, 2012
10:21 am
Gwinnett Fred,
Considering the Falcons playoff woes, are you really bringing up another team’s early playoff exit? REALLY ?!?!?!?!?! (by the way you do realize the Saints won in the 1st rd to advance to play SF, something this Falcon regime has been woefully incapable of in Atlanta)
This message board is always good for a laugh, consistently full of some of the least intelligent football talk of any team in the league lol
Hamp
April 25th, 2012
10:23 am
Good move when there are no stud pass rushers out there. this is the next best thing Obs will have to pick their poison and I think if we go with more bump and run/man you will see dunta come alive that is where he made a living and we paid all that money to stick him in a zone. All things said about dunta are correct but to his credit we have wasted valuable years playing him out of postion. People better step up or Blank will clean house next year top to bottom. I really got off the ledge and left the roof if this is true. We will be Ok we desparatley need a LT, OG and a NT for a few snaps.
Samuel L. Jackson
April 25th, 2012
10:24 am
Grimes is still the best CB on Atlanta’s roster even with this deal. Robinson was never that good in Houston (go look up his numbers, he had 1 good season and hasn’t done squat since). For the life of me I can’t understand why the local media and fans swore they were getting the 2nd coming of Deion when they vastly overpaid for Robinson.
Samuel L. Jackson
April 25th, 2012
10:32 am
Robinson had 6 INT’s, 3 forced fumbles, and 19 passes defensed his rookie year in 04. Since then he has never had more than 2 INT’s in any season and his high for passes defensed was 12 in 06. And don’t make the remark that people weren’t throwing his way anymore, for a CB he has a large number of tackles made which indicates people aren’t throwing away from him, he just doesn’t make any big plays
section322
April 25th, 2012
10:33 am
Okay now you LOOOOOOVE TD!!!! Last week you wanted him stoned to death.
$lim Goody
April 25th, 2012
10:39 am
Great Move!! We needed a Veteran to shore up the defense!! now we need another run stuffer and develop a pass rusher!! We need a O Lineman to protect Matt and I think we are ready to RISE UP!!
Rick Falcon
April 25th, 2012
10:41 am
Finally will get a quality player without giving up too much….Its about time. This will play well into Nolans typical schemes and will hopefully eliminate the 3rd down conversions that Atlanta gave up way too often under BVG. Im so sick of seeing the Falcons give up the 3rd and long conversion. This is a great pick up and combined with a new defensive scheme….will play dividends.
Now if the offense comes together…its going to be a great season….cant wait for kick off
Terrell
April 25th, 2012
10:59 am
Like Wut I See
But unlike the Falcons, as much as I am a Falcons’ fan, the Hawks have won a playoff series each of the last 3 years, while the Falcons haven’t. Just like the Falcons the Hawks have posted winning seasons since 2009. Samuels doesn’t solve all our issues but he sure does help.
Old White Haired Man
April 25th, 2012
10:59 am
how i get that meebo crap off the bottom of my screen?
Bluto
April 25th, 2012
11:07 am
Samuel L. Jackson he was responding to my post about Aint fans showing up to crap on the move. Try and keep up.
charles
April 25th, 2012
11:09 am
Great move! Have a feeling TD might trade out of second round to pick up an extra third round pick this year or acquire more picks for next year!
notso fast
April 25th, 2012
11:15 am
Enter your comments here
Eddie
April 25th, 2012
11:19 am
This is the reason y I wasnt worried about the Falcons (not making a big splash early on). TD and Blank are long term thinkers unlike fans. Lets go Falcons!
Kane337
April 25th, 2012
11:20 am
Please make this happen. If we can get a decent pass rush our secondary will look elite.
Keeping it Real
April 25th, 2012
11:21 am
IMO this is a huge mistake. We already were at the cap and now we will be screwed for the next several year to accommodate our latest big money dud. TD was apparently desperate to make a move. AS is NOT Revis or Woodson. If he was the Eagles would not be giving him away. My prediction for the Falcons this year is 8-8 at best and yes I am a Falcons fan living in Atlanta.
Falcons 73
April 25th, 2012
11:27 am
I certainly don’t dislike this move (if it happens), but why is T.D. willing to do whatever it takes to get another corner but didn’t nothing in free agency for a defensive end. I think the move would address a position of need, but not the GREATEST position need (D.E.).
If you look at from a pure football stance, it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. It should be noted several teams that didn’t have any type of secondary, were able to win games with a formidable pass rush.
I just hope we can develop Sidbury or Matthews and that Ray Edwards significantly improves. Otherwise, we will be paying a lot of money for corners but still give up big pass plays (without any rush).
Khaos
April 25th, 2012
11:28 am
I like Asante…but does he play DE and can he protect Matt? I just believe in the philosophy that the game is one in the trenches. We’ve done very well addressing skill positions (Julio, Tony G, Turner) in the draft or FA. However, we’ve missed on or ignored our lines (Edwards for the time being is a bust, Baker, Jerry).
I’m just not a big fan of Dimitroff’s decisions.
Fire Smitty and Dimitroff
Greg
April 25th, 2012
11:30 am
D-Led writes: “If the Falcons land Samuel they would have a solid trio of cornerbacks.”
I never cease to be amazed at the different ways people see things. Did D-Led watch the same games I did? Of course he did. And still he thinks Dunte is a “solid corner”? I respect D-Led, of course; I’m just amazed, that’s all. I watched Dunte repeatedly miss tackles a solid player would make. I saw him consistently get beaten on routes, every kind of route, short, long, outs, hooks, posts…everything. One of the worst corners I’ve ever seen in the NFL. He made every receiver look good.
yourpoliticalanimal
April 25th, 2012
11:30 am
Not bad, not bad…but I still need you all to wake me when the Bills make their pick @ #10…ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
SirReal
April 25th, 2012
11:32 am
@Keepingitreal I hear ya but as far as the cap situation, things can always be manipulated…plus after next year, the cap figure is supposed to rise significantly if these speculations are true. The right people will make the right things happen.
We’ll see. I’ve seen them make worse moves than this.lol
SirReal
April 25th, 2012
11:36 am
@falcons73 I agree as far as DE but I guess they are thinking we already spent on Ray Edwards last year (when we should have gone after Jason Babin. He only put up EIGHTEEN sacks this past season). They probably figure secondary is still a liability. Its good to bring Samuel in b/c it sends a message to the others that they are expendable and if Robinson plays with grease under his cleats again this year, he’s gone and we’d already have a potential in house replacement. Just my guess though….lol
Me Too
April 25th, 2012
11:37 am
So the offense scoring only 2 points in the playoff game isn’t a problem!
North FLA Falcon
April 25th, 2012
11:37 am
I will like this deal better when I see what the Eagles are getting in return.
North FLA Falcon
April 25th, 2012
11:38 am
Also at 31 yrs old Samuel is a risk. I truly hope he stays injury free.
Bird Since '66
April 25th, 2012
11:49 am
I don’t see how they’re going to fit him under the cap then sign whatever picks we get and have room to sign players during the season because of injuries. They also have to plan for Ryan’s extension next year. You do have to give them credit though. Think about what the Smith’s would be doing about now.
Billy
April 25th, 2012
11:53 am
Love it ..great job TD..Go birds…
vesaversa
April 25th, 2012
11:56 am
Samuel is a proven connerback but he is 31 year old .But i guess a late round draft pick for him is not much to ask if they can come to agreement on his salary
vesaversa
April 25th, 2012
11:59 am
Bird since 66 said “The Falcons have to plan for Ryan’s extension next year.” If the Falcons were smart they would look to draft another QB in 2013.
North FLA Falcon
April 25th, 2012
12:03 pm
I like Schwartz as our #55 pick, he sounds like a beast.
The Grinch
April 25th, 2012
12:19 pm
I don’t see a LT in the draft where we’re picking, but if we could somehow snag a RG and a space eating DT I think we’ll be in pretty good shape this year. It’d be nice if one of our “developmental” o-linemen would finally step up. Maybe the new coach will help.
hbcuclassics
April 25th, 2012
12:25 pm
HBCU Classic Sports
2012 Draft Preview:
WR, Mario Louis, Grambling
http://www.hbcuclassics.com/hbcu_showcase
Falcons 4 Real
April 25th, 2012
12:27 pm
@ Old White Haired Man put your pointer on the meebo icon on the far right side and click “Hide Meebo Bar”
If compensation is 5th round or later and we get 2 productive years out of him this is an excellent move. For one it will allow Franks to be utilized as PR/KR and that will save a late round pick on a returner. I think the criticism of Dunta is a little skewed, he’s been as much a victim of the soft zone as anyone was and I think we’ll see major improvement from him in a more aggressive scheme.
ghostwriter
April 25th, 2012
12:32 pm
For you people wanting a DE… what about John Abraham? He was our DE signing this offseason. Him and Ray Edwards are a solid duo.
This is a great move. Our secondary got eaten up last year (I shudder at every ‘3rd and long’ we face) and Asante will be a great addition. Word up.
Stanton Caldwell
April 25th, 2012
12:37 pm
Its about time an Atlanta sports franchise did something significantly POSITIVE and COMMON SENSE worthy in free agency….Thank you to the Atlanta Falcons for being a franchise that wants to win now.
Jackson
April 25th, 2012
12:44 pm
Wouldn’t surprise me to see Ovie and Babs cut to make room.
Jackson
April 25th, 2012
12:46 pm
Regardless, I like the move.
Hudd
April 25th, 2012
12:47 pm
Ovie is great, but waaaaaaay overpaid. Cut him, trade him or renegotiate.
Jackson
April 25th, 2012
12:52 pm
I think, if i remember right, if they cut Ovie and Babs there will be no cap hit. Would be a wash.
mortimer
April 25th, 2012
12:55 pm
As an Eagles fan I’ve watched Samuel for the past 3 years. He’ll make a lot of good plays and make some great interceptions. Coaches will be forced to play away from him. The bad part is that he cannot tackle anybody and he’ll grab a lot of air as runners go by him.
Old Goober
April 25th, 2012
12:59 pm
I will like this deal better when I see what the Eagles are getting in return.
Book it! It will be the Falcons’ 5th round pick.
Chop Buster
April 25th, 2012
12:59 pm
Mortimer…that’s what safeties are for.
Brandon
April 25th, 2012
1:14 pm
Lets get this deal done and go after OSI! WIN NOW! Go Falcons! Oh, and draft either Dwayne Allen or Brandon Thompson in the 2nd Round.
Jimmy Crack
April 25th, 2012
1:19 pm
We could have 6 Pro Bowl DBs and it still won’t matter if the opposing QB has all day long in the pocket. And don’t give me this “now they can blitz” crap, when last year I saw 7 Falcon defenders rush against 5 offensive linemen on a blitz, and they got bottled up and stonewalled worse than the marching band from Animal House.
WE NEED PASS RUSHERS.
Having vented, I love the Samuel pickup.
tyger
April 25th, 2012
1:20 pm
Chris Owens, Brent Grimes, Dunta Robinson….
logic says their pockets will be lighter too or they wont be here…
1. Falcons will not pay $30M for 3 corners…
2. At 31, Samuel appreciates more guaranteed years…
3. But he’s owed $9M/$10M??? – reality check – he’ll never see it…
4. Philly will trade/cut him b4 paying him…ATL deal less than $10M per…
5. Still good deal, Samuel retires w/ contender gets more guarantees…bonus…
6. ATL setting bar for its CBs…Grimes take notice…
7. ATL overpaid for Dunta, wont do it again…
8. End of the day, ATL will avg. about $22-$24M for those three…
9. Samuel paid $45M over past 5 yrs…security important now…
10. In 2011, 3 INT, 1 TD, 13PD, 30 Tackles…
In 2010, 7 INT, 0 TD, 21PD, 22 Tackles…
In 2009, 9 INT, 0 TD, 25PD, 39 Tackles…
Jackson
April 25th, 2012
1:21 pm
I think we should give them our 4th round pick….LOL
Jonas
April 25th, 2012
1:24 pm
To all the COMRADE haters on this thread: eat Falcon **** and die. Please wake up and recognize that we have GREAT PEOPLE leading this team.
And oh yeah,
Fire Khaos
just the facts
April 25th, 2012
1:25 pm
A strong trio? seriously? with Dunta “non producer” Robinson in that mix…..give me a break…..name ONE THING he has brought and will bring to the team…….just name one.
Gwinnett Fred
April 25th, 2012
1:35 pm
S.L. Jackson:
Your not even bringing up the cheating & bounty trouble and only defense is that the Saints have 1 more playoff win than the Falcons the last 2 years shows that it is YOU are the one UNintelligent enough to go to battle with blanks in your guns.
If you go back to my post smart guy, you won’t see any boasting about what the Falcons will do this year, just pointing out why the Saints fans have been VERY silent. And again, for you to add your 2 cents worth using only a single playoff win in 2 years proves the point I was making.
Mike
April 25th, 2012
1:36 pm
it looks like Asante agrees to term for 3-year, $18.5M deal. So trade is going to finalize soon.
coleski
April 25th, 2012
1:39 pm
Hope springs eternal.
Gwinnett Fred
April 25th, 2012
1:40 pm
For those of you questioning this move & not getting a DE or OL:
Your concern would be valid if the Falcons passed on one of those positions to do the Samuels deal. But that is not the case here. It’s like you expect TD to not only go after and sign players for certain positions, but that he is also responsible for making them available too? Come on people, try to add a little logic to your critisizms.
Big Ron
April 25th, 2012
1:49 pm
So is the deal official yet or what????
Big Al
April 25th, 2012
1:52 pm
Done deal
Done deal
April 25th, 2012
1:54 pm
The deal to send cornerback Asante Samuel to the Atlanta Falcons from the Philadelphia Eagles has been finalized, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
As part of the trade, Samuel and the Falcons have agreed to terms on a three-year, $18.5 million deal.
It’s not yet known what the Falcons will send the Eagles in return for the nine-year veteran.
zorro
April 25th, 2012
1:55 pm
@me too
those two points we got came from our defence. Mr. D Led you set around these players and you see them a lot behind the cameras do you or can you tell if that guy has swagger or not (
Big Crimson 75
April 25th, 2012
1:55 pm
3 yr Deal with Asante
mountain_jim
April 25th, 2012
1:56 pm
still waiting to find out the pick(s) traded – some say 5th, some say 6th.
Seattle Falcons Fan
April 25th, 2012
1:56 pm
Everyone who is trashing Daunta remember how hard he hits. He’ll be a perfect nickle safety/corner that Nolan likes to use!
Devil's Advocate
April 25th, 2012
1:59 pm
What are we going to do about the OL we throw under the bus as being the reason the Falcons cannot score in the playoffs? The same OL that allows Ryan and White to put up big regular season numbers. Most of the same OL who helped the Falcons be one of the most successful running teams since Turner has been here? Are we going to hear about the OL for the next year being the scapegoat now?
crackbaby
April 25th, 2012
1:59 pm
So why did Belichik get rid of Samuel a couple years ago?
This is a good move for Falcons, but the question remains, why didn’t NE keep him?
John H.
April 25th, 2012
2:00 pm
Good Pick. If he can stay healthy. He has been getting tired toward the end of seasons lately.
Ackshun
April 25th, 2012
2:01 pm
Grimes at free safety Robinson on Left Corner Samuel on Right – superbowl!
Big Crimson 75
April 25th, 2012
2:03 pm
F New England.
Belichik is more than capable of making mistakes.
Did you see the Pats Pass Defense last yr?
creative
April 25th, 2012
2:06 pm
I hope this doesn’t end up to be another big play ray. I loved big play when he first got here but then he turned 31 and started not being that great. I hope this works out
ATLSWAG
April 25th, 2012
2:06 pm
OOOOOO YEA ITS GOING DOWN THIS SEASON WE GETTING WHAT WE DESERVE, THAT RNG LETS GO AFTER IT, WE NOT PLAYING AROUND THIS SEASON LETS DO IT BIG!!!!!! >=I
kingdaddy
April 25th, 2012
2:08 pm
One trade just transformed the Falcons D….Now, fix the O.L. and watch Nolan put pressure on their Offense with L.B. blitz schemes to help our D.L….One trade… I’m shocked and happy…
Elijah Snow
April 25th, 2012
2:08 pm
The most interesting part of this article is the fact that the Falcons already think of the nickel as their base defense, a point that addresses arguments that have been made by other comments regarding the pending acquisition of Samuel. Props to DOL for that, even though he thinks I’m a hater.
If the Falcons can get their contracts worked out (including Grimes) so that this doesn’t destroy our cap numbers, it will be a great move — exactly the sort of thing the Falcons needed to do in the offseason. I think it is exactly this sort of move that underlines how crazy it was for so many people to work so hard to justify the quiet offseason by the Falcons. Every argument that is made from here on in about what a great move the Samuel acquisition is and how much we needed it is, functionally, an argument that we weren’t doing a very good job of making the team better before this move.
In the future, maybe we should be asking harder questions about what the Falcons ought to do or maybe even what they are secretly planning to do, rather than spending time convincing ourselves that doing nothing is a great strategy.
SeenThisBFalcon
April 25th, 2012
2:08 pm
ITS OVA BABY…TIME TO RISE UP!!!!!!!
Chub Rock
April 25th, 2012
2:09 pm
Belichik also let Richard Seymour go and he has gone to the Pro Bowl for the Raiders LOL. Belicik also drafted Brandon Merriweather in the 1st RD and cut him and Darius Butler in the 2nd RD and cut him. FYI Bill Belichik makes mistakes too.
Hamp
April 25th, 2012
2:10 pm
For you ppl calling for a DE or for Pass rush where the hell is it gonna come from, out of the sky where is there an available proven pass rusher available. How many supposed great pass rushers have panned out in the recent past. Wow! the next best thing is get a corner because this is a passing league. If I am not mistaken the nickle spot is what is killing us on third down. Now that wont be so if it is grimes or samules who goes to the nickle we are better. Pass rush doesnt come in a can and there are not any teams letting proven pass rushers go if so it costs the entire bank which we dont have. chill out and look at things from all angles. This is the second best thing to do if a pass rusher is not available!
kingdaddy
April 25th, 2012
2:10 pm
Who did we have to dump to get him???
Sid
April 25th, 2012
2:11 pm
Great move Birds!
Ouch, ya know some aints fans are cringing.
zorro
April 25th, 2012
2:13 pm
We need a space eater bad that will keep their OL off of our linebackers. And please someone teach Matt Ryan how to slide in the pocket to extended the play. And not throw the ball out of bound. What other QB’s with time in the league does this as much as our QB.
Reality
April 25th, 2012
2:13 pm
Wonderful, now that just means the Falcons will get bounced in the second round.
Sincerely,
Reality…
Mickey Loomis
April 25th, 2012
2:15 pm
I overheard the Falcons got a Pro Bowl CB, Drew Brees will not sleep very well tonight.
Big Crimson 75
April 25th, 2012
2:15 pm
We will be the Team this yr every-one expected to see last yr.
Julio will RIP the League up this Season — Bank on it!!!
The Falconator
April 25th, 2012
2:16 pm
Can you say 11 and 5 and division winners now. We will be ready for the playoffs or bust!!!
Real Falcon Fanatic
April 25th, 2012
2:17 pm
Take the best available Offensive Lineman available on Friday night!
kingdaddy
April 25th, 2012
2:17 pm
T.D.
I take back everything I said about you! I know nothing about football and you are the bomb-daddy…One stinking trade, just made a HUGE difference.MERRY CHRISTMAS Coach Nolan!!!
Big Crimson 75
April 25th, 2012
2:18 pm
King — if someone has to get clipped to make room for Samuel — I’m thinking Ovie or Babs.
We won’t get much cap relief cutting the busts — Jerry & Baker.
mark
April 25th, 2012
2:18 pm
great bold move! about time to make some upgrades! i see robinson on the nickel and a mix of zone and man coverage, asante gives nolan a great bunch of options in the defensive side of the ball, i bet this is the missing link!
The Falcon Project
April 25th, 2012
2:20 pm
http://thefalconproject.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/falcons-trade-for-cornerback-asante-samuel/
Big Crimson 75
April 25th, 2012
2:20 pm
Asante was the best CB on the Eagles.
Better that DRC & how-ever you spell his name!!!
Matt
April 25th, 2012
2:21 pm
Fantastic! For a late round pick and affordable sum of money. This is a perfect deal if stays healthy and contributes. Our secondary went from pathetic to pretty darn good with one deal. With a head bussa like Robinson, he gives you some options on where he can play… some nickel, some X slot coverage, some safety. Fantastic move Demitroff!!
kingdaddy
April 25th, 2012
2:21 pm
Reality
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA…Little baby need a Binky???
Sid
April 25th, 2012
2:22 pm
Falcons gave up a 6th round draft pick……………….not bad…..!!!
Billy
April 25th, 2012
2:23 pm
Good job, Falcons! Welcome Asante!
kingdaddy
April 25th, 2012
2:25 pm
BC75
I really like both those young men. The good thing is they have pleanty of time to find another team as long as its not the Ain’ts.lol…
VW
April 25th, 2012
2:25 pm
Great Job TD!
zorro
April 25th, 2012
2:27 pm
abc news just announcedPHILADELPHIA – April 25, 2012 (WPVI) — Action News has learned that the Philadelphia Eagles have traded Pro-Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel to the Atlanta Falcons.
kingdaddy
April 25th, 2012
2:27 pm
Plenty of time
chipper stones
April 25th, 2012
2:29 pm
Samuel brings so much to this team! He had to have at least 6 or 7 int’s last year (never mind actually 3) he is tall so he can actually handle the taller receivers that kill us (never mind 5-10) is a great tackler (never mind, considered one of the worst tackling CB’s in the league) he is young so he is on the upswing (never mind 31) ummm, so why did we do this?
kingdaddy
April 25th, 2012
2:30 pm
D.Led.
It’s fun to give good news, isn’t it???
ROD
April 25th, 2012
2:30 pm
YES, YES, YES. THIS IS WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT. We need to shore up that safety position, and add some offensive lines, and another WR. I think this is great. This will allow ABE and others to really put pressure on the QB. I’m looking forward to this season. I think something big my happen this year for the Dirty Birds. OOps, I forgot, I still do not trust our QB. Let me calm down, and wait to see if he has improved this year. But I like this deal. GREAT JOB TD!!!!!!!
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:30 pm
hmm, this moves makes no sense to me..can someone explain why this is a good pick up? He is not a shutdown CB, he gambles alot we need someone to pressure Brees not play mind games with him.
Broken Wing
April 25th, 2012
2:31 pm
I just hope we didn’t give away too much with the pick, (as we have before!)
A fifth or sixth is great but if we go higher it could be bad news. Wish this could have happened before the Grimes deal!
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
2:33 pm
TD pulled this one out at the right time…Can’t say enough about how are Execs are going after that trophy…This will allow us big time flexibility in our schemes and we will get pressure because the passing windows will not be open as quick as they were…This is a win all the way around as there wasn’t anyone that we could have drafted with that late pick that would have come in and made the impact that Samuels will..Nolan has to fired up with all his options
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:33 pm
why are you guys go happy?
Pick Six 22
April 25th, 2012
2:34 pm
all yall who thinkin im too old troy polamalu is 31 too…eagles just COULDNT AFFORD ME nothing to do with my play. using age as an excuse for having to let me go
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:35 pm
Bamaguy, what the hell are you talkinga bout. Asante is a gambling CB, he is small, can’t tackle and lack top end speed. So how will the windows close. He gambles way too much and can’t play press or bump coverage. So how will he close those windows…….
The Samuel trade: Another validation of Falcons management | Mark Bradley
April 25th, 2012
2:36 pm
[...] which had gone from 11-5 to a fairly gutty 9-7 to 13-3.) They kept those eight free agents, and now they’ve traded for cornerback Asante Samuel, once a Pro Bowler and still spry enough to bolster the [...]
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:37 pm
Picksix
Troy Polamalu is a different player and position. They are totally different players
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:38 pm
Should of went after a quality DL player
Big Crimson 75
April 25th, 2012
2:38 pm
justlooking —- go eavesdrop on the Saints & get back to us in a couple yrs.
DA Voice
April 25th, 2012
2:39 pm
6th Round Pick
Section242
April 25th, 2012
2:39 pm
It is time to cut Grimes to open up some cap space. Samual is only 2 years older than Grimes. There will be other cap casualties that we can sign
NORRIS CHUCK
April 25th, 2012
2:39 pm
A few thoughts on what this all means.
1. The Falcons are adjusting to the new realities of the NFL by going all in at cornerback. The only way to match offenses like the New Orleans Saints is with a deep group of cornerbacks, while sometimes forgoing a true “strong safety” on the field. More and more teams count their third cornerback as a starter. The Falcons are just making it more obvious.
2. Having salary-cap space is overrated. The Falcons were among the teams tightest to the cap in the league, and yet they will figure out a way to make this move. There is always a way.
3. With that said, the Falcons might need to make a corresponding move like cutting fullback Ovie Mughelli to make room. Michael Turner is overpaid at this stage of his career for his effectiveness, but there has been no indication the Falcons could consider cutting him.
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:41 pm
Section42,
Didn’t Grimes just sign his tender? Can he still be cut? That will free up some $$$$$
NORRIS CHUCK
April 25th, 2012
2:43 pm
The Packers just cut Nick Collins, that same guy who returned a INT for a TD in the Superbowl against the Steelers and yep, the same guy who help destroy the Falcons two seasons ago in the first round and last season as well.
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:44 pm
Norris Chuck, I think the best way to stop a passing attack is to have a very strong front 4 that can get pressure. Gaints have proved this with 2 superbowl wins!!! So I dont know where you get this strong secondary thing from. You have nothing to back that up. It is a strong front 4 that does it.
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
2:44 pm
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:33 pm
why are you guys go happy?
Well lets see:
1. We solved our ongoing nb spot problem with a pro bowl DB addition regardless where he plays…
2. We solved our 2 year problem of getting off the field on 3rd and long that has been killing us
3. We improved the pass rush simply by covering their receivers better thus giving DE’s and LB’s more time to get there.
4. We gave up a 5 or 6 round pick for a pro bowl caliber DB who is still playing at that level and was the best DB that Philly had…Stats prove it
5. Our D pressure you multiplel ways now that we have DB’s that can actually cover receivers/TE’s!
6. Plus, if things do not work out with Grimes we can let him walk after this year thus freeing up 10 mill in cap
I am Not sure what more one move could of made?…If you are not happy with this move then get back to Madden Football because you just want to be miserable
Pick Six 22
April 25th, 2012
2:45 pm
@just Looking
lemme school your a$$ on the sport of football sir. the reason people are so happy is because of the dreadful play at the nickel position from our hometown falcons. this now frees dunta robinson up to TKO some more players at the nickel or they can try the sidelines on Grimes or Samuel. You are kidding yourself if you dont think that is HUGE. Asante Samuel can man up with the best of them at CB or he wouldnt have 1000 career picks. This is the NFL man guessing wont get you 52..yes 52!! int in 9 years. get out of here with that negativity my man
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:46 pm
Bama,
It would have made more sense to go after Osi. Like I said to Norris. A strong front 4 is what stops a passing QB like Brees. If front 4 can’t get pressure the secondary will be vunerable!!!!!!!
Hamad Meander
April 25th, 2012
2:47 pm
This is HUGE! Several things: Asante can still play! Now we don’t have to waste an early draft pick on an unproven rookie CB. A 5th or 6th round pick isn’t a lot to pay for an immediate impact player. I just want to know what his contract terms are now. I hope we didn’t have to pay more than $6 million a year. No way we traded for him and will keep his current contract.
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:49 pm
Pick Six,
Osi would of been a better move!!!
Pick Six 22
April 25th, 2012
2:49 pm
Just Looking
yeah they could really get osi for 6 mil….dumbass
ghostwriter
April 25th, 2012
2:49 pm
There’s going to be haters no matter what move the team makes. I’m sure some people would be crying here if they found out we got Maurice Jones-Drew and Calvin Johnson for a 6th rounder.
The only thing I’m upset about is the team declining to be on Hard Knocks. Asante is going to help us out a ton. Falcons in 2012, baby!
Pick Six 22
April 25th, 2012
2:50 pm
Justr Looking
yea they could really get osi for 6 mill…..idiot
Hamad Meander
April 25th, 2012
2:50 pm
I would guess that our 2nd and 3rd rounders would definitely be linemen, both offensive and defensive. It doesn’t make sense to go any other direction at this point. This is looking like a very good roster and there are enough playmakers on offense and defense in the skill positions. Let’s shore up the lines and go play ball.
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:52 pm
Picksix,
they could of worked him in some way, some how. Dont give me this BS as the reaons why they didnt get him.
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
2:52 pm
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:46 pm
Bama,
It would have made more sense to go after Osi. Like I said to Norris. A strong front 4 is what stops a passing QB like Brees. If front 4 can’t get pressure the secondary will be vunerable!!!!!!!
Problem with that is: Giants want a #1 pick for Osi…I do not see that changing and we do not have a one to give nor would I at Osi’s age….Plus, we would have to give him a ton more money then Samuels in addition to that absurd higher draft pick. Plus, Osi hasn’t been healthy…Not at all
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:54 pm
A strong front 4 is the way to go. Look at the 2 teams in last year NFC title game…strong front 4!!!
JeanE
April 25th, 2012
2:55 pm
Most excellent, this can only help the Falcons and I find it hilarious that Grimes couldn’t get to The Branch fast enough to sign his hated contract after hearing the team was interested in Samuel!!! Who cares if Robinson and Grimes’ ego are dented, competition is good for everyone. TD pulled it off, I’ll give him props for this one.
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:56 pm
Bama, where in the hell did you get Giants wanting a 1rst. No way, no how they can get a 1rst for him. I read somewhere today it is a 3rd
old qb
April 25th, 2012
2:56 pm
Samuel is a very good move. A buddy and season ticket holder keeps yelling our biggest need is our offensive line. We do need to get better there. But what happened to Mike Johnson, our third round pick that was going to be a star in the NFL?
If we can’t get Fleener in the draft pass on TE this year.
You can have all the great secondary in the league and if you don’t have a pass rush you’re going to get clobbered. Abraham can’t do it alone. And everyone trying to protect Ray Edwards when the subject comes up says, “But he’s good against the run”. Hell, Jamaal Anderson was good against the run. What we need is someone else to flatten the QB.
The stats show we suck on third down defense. That’s because we don’t pressure the opposing quarterback. Either get a pass rusher in free agency or move up in the draft and get one. It’s the difference in making the playoffs more than a one and out or moving forward.
Section242
April 25th, 2012
2:57 pm
Just Looking
Tender is a one year non-guaranteed contract. He can be cut
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:58 pm
Section, So can they cut Grimes this year or next year? If they can this year, they should cut him and go after Osi. I will be happy then
hawk
April 25th, 2012
2:59 pm
Just a thought but why not pick up chad lifton who GB released 2 help out on the OF line?
Pick Six 22
April 25th, 2012
2:59 pm
Just Looking
The 49ers strength was undoubetdly their secondary………………idiot
Section242
April 25th, 2012
3:00 pm
He is on a one year contract. They could just not resign him. They way they let Lofton go.
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
3:02 pm
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:56 pm
Bama, where in the hell did you get Giants wanting a 1rst. No way, no how they can get a 1rst for him. I read somewhere today it is a 3rd
Last year, Osi got permission to shop himself around the league and his agent said the Giants nixed all deals because they wanted a #1 pick….I don’t see that changing very much….DE’s are high price and Giants were are in no panic
Leeman Bennett
April 25th, 2012
3:02 pm
Come on D Led. If you are going to update an article, you should do more that add to it. Somethings need to be removed. Example: The Falcons made a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel on Wednesday. So this no longer applies: If the Falcons land Samuel they would have a solid trio of cornerbacks.
CFB fan
April 25th, 2012
3:03 pm
Great pickup. Dimitroff is so tight ($$) on his moves and Samuel is a great cover corner. Great pickup for a late rounder. Now, let’s get some OL….
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:03 pm
PickSix,
9ers front 4 was SOLID and when that rookie Aldon Smith came up on the line……….so you are wrong, they had a STRONG front 4 as well.
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:06 pm
Bama, as of today, it is a 3rd rd pick
Tony C.
April 25th, 2012
3:06 pm
Finally, TD does something to fix the secondary that’s been broken since the packers sodomized them in the playoffs….
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
3:06 pm
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
2:56 pm
Bama, where in the hell did you get Giants wanting a 1rst.
Here is where in the Hell I got it: Just Looking
Update
Osi Umenyiora Can No Longer Seek Trade From Giants, According To Report
Whenever a player demands a new contract or to be traded it puts the team in a very difficult position, which is the case with DE Osi Umenyiora and the New York Giants. The team gave him permission to seek a trade setting the price tag at a first round pick. Although Umenyiora’s agent, Tony Agnone, found several suitors, there was apparently no one on board with giving up a first round pick for him.
So now the Giants have rescinded the permission given to Umenyiora to seek a trade, according to the Star-Ledger. He is no longer allowed to seek a trade which means that, for now, he’s a Giant.
The team’s decision to take the trade off the table is a sign they’re looking to nip this distraction in the bud, though it might only serve to further escalate Umenyiora’s anger over his claim the Giants promised to restructure his contract.
Umenyiora signed a seven-year deal in 2005 and is due $7.1 million over the next two years. While he is underpaid, that’s the downside to gaining contract security through a seven-year deal — at some point that contract is out of date.
We’ll see how this ends but the Giants may have an issue on their hands. Check out Big Blue View for the latest on the situation.
Aug 03 1:51p by Joel Thorman – 0 comments
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:06 pm
cut Grimes or Robinson and pick up Osi.
FalconJim
April 25th, 2012
3:07 pm
Great move! This let’s me know we’re serious about being a legitimate SB contender.
Now, shore up the OL, get a big run-stuffer (NT), a monster pass rusher (DE), and a replacement for Tony G., and I can’t see us not going all the way, baby!!!!!!!
SUPER BOWL, HERE WE COME!!!!!!
GO, YOU DIRTY BIRDS!!!!!!!
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:08 pm
Bama, that is a old article. I read somewhere today it was a 3rd rd pick
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
3:10 pm
OSI isn’t healthy! Plus, your going to give at least a 3rd, which I bet would really end up being a 2nd, because the Giants do not have to make this move as last year proved…Plus, 6 mill isn’t going to get OSI…Cmon
Pick Six 22
April 25th, 2012
3:12 pm
@Just Looking
front 4 is very important i give you that. thats a GLARING OBVIOUS in football. turning the falcons front 4 into the giants front 4 would never happen with 6 million dollars or a 6th round pick. admit its a good deal and get yourself out of your depression hoss
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:12 pm
Bama, Osi isn’t healhty….yeah ok…neither was RAY EDWARDS BUT this is the difference…..
The defensive end returned for three practices before opting for minor knee surgery. Once he played, Umenyiora had nine sacks in the regular season and another 3.5 sacks in the Giants’ Super Bowl playoff run.
crackertroy
April 25th, 2012
3:12 pm
Bye, bye Dunta
Great Falconi
April 25th, 2012
3:13 pm
Good pickup by Dimitroff. The draft will be pretty thin for us unless we get lucky, but Samuel makes up for some of that.
Nativebird
April 25th, 2012
3:14 pm
for WHAT???? C’mon guys. If your gonna report the deal….REPORT THE DEAL.
Yes, Samuel for……4th round pick? Beautiful. Samuel for say…Matt Ryan? Not so much.
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
3:14 pm
The only reason a trade is even possible is that Umenyiora is entering the final year of his contract and he made it clear he’s still looking for a very lucrative, long-term extension. In fact, during an interview on WFAN he seemingly set the bar at four years and $40 million or so.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/osi-umenyiora-thinks-ny-giants-trade-de-a-long-term-extension-article-1.1067202#ixzz1t55pONRt
Pick Six 22
April 25th, 2012
3:16 pm
@bama
you crushed him…its all over
p'cola
April 25th, 2012
3:16 pm
Samuel Jackson,
While agree some talk is rose colored glasses, the saints coaching staff and management have shown they are the least intellegent and classless bunch in the NFL. So go put a paper bag back on your head because once again the saints are the biggest embarresment in the NFL. Even your superbowl win is embarrasing
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
3:16 pm
10 mill a year…Still want OSI and remember you have to give up that pick too?
Report: Eagles deal Samuel to Falcons – FOXSports.com | Amazing News
April 25th, 2012
3:16 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:17 pm
Pick Six…even during the 9er vs Saints playoff game..Brees pick the secondary apart when he had time to throw the ball!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:19 pm
Bama, of course he going to scream for money…didnt Abe scream for all this money but in the end..he settled for way less.
Dawg Haus
April 25th, 2012
3:19 pm
Good pickup for the Falcons!
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:22 pm
10 million/yr for guy who had 13 sacks and SHOWS UP IN BIG BIG BIG BIG PLAYOFF GAMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES GET HIM
Pick Six 22
April 25th, 2012
3:22 pm
@Just Looking
absoulutely false. 2 picks at attempts 40 yards down the field….they BAITED HIM HOOK LINE AND SINKER
Kudos
April 25th, 2012
3:22 pm
Kudos to Dummytroff for somewhat making amends for dealing away too many draft picks for Julio (no knock on Julio, who is great, we just overpaid given the many needs we have elsewhere). This looks like a steal to me. My question to you DOL is why would Samuel, who was slated to make $21.3 million over the next two years, sign for $18.5 million over the next three? There must be a much larger portion guaranteed or something. Could you give us more than just the basic facts?
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
3:24 pm
Just Looking: Abe was already on our team…Osi isn’t coming to the ATL on a discount? Someone will overpay him and give a high pick as well…Not to mention, We probably get into a bidding war since it seems that there are suitors out there and maybe we come up empty handed when we just improved our team for sure with Samuels by only giving up a 5 or 6 round pick and maybe 18 mill as opposed to 40 mill…
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:25 pm
Pick six here is Brees numbers..he torched that secondary…….
Passing: D. Brees (NO) – 462 YDS, 4 TD, 2 INT
G Money
April 25th, 2012
3:27 pm
Get the Asante Jerseys ready Baby!!!!!!!!!!!
tyger
April 25th, 2012
3:27 pm
Ok, we’re all giddy over Asante Samuel…
but we were only $1.7M under the cap….
so, where is the money coming from?…
who got cut? who restructured? who got traded?
BIGDBALLS
April 25th, 2012
3:29 pm
The Falcons will not make the playoffs and Samuel is garbage.
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
3:29 pm
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:22 pm
10 million/yr for guy who had 13 sacks and SHOWS UP IN BIG BIG BIG BIG PLAYOFF GAMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now wait a second…You don’t get JPP, Tuck and the other boys as well…Not as easy to be dominate without the whole crew from the G men…Ask Abe how tough it is without 5 people that can also pressure the QB…No double teams
zachreb
April 25th, 2012
3:29 pm
DLED any word on if the Falcons are going to pick up Abreyou Franklin?
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:30 pm
Bama, why are you making excuses for not getting a quality proven player on the DLine?
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
3:34 pm
Just looking…I am not…I just do not think OSI is worth what it will take to get him and even then we still may not get him…I just don’t…I also do not see anyone else out there that makes us better on the DL that will not cause us problems for the long haul…I think Abe, Edwards, Peters, Babs, Spoon and Beer man will be much improved in this agressive D..I also think you see corners coming from everywhere as well at times….I do
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:36 pm
Bama, Osi have been a quality player years before JPP got there and he was a quality player before Tuck became a household name.
RJ Falconian
April 25th, 2012
3:37 pm
Go after Bobby Massie from Mississippi (an outstanding underclassman) hopefully still available w pick #55.
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:39 pm
Bama, so a 35yr old Abes will be much improved playing along the SIDE OF average talent like Peters, Edwards and Beerman….GTFOH
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
3:40 pm
Giants have a great front….Osi has been a great player but do not fool yourself into thinking that he hasn’t benefitted from not being double teamed as a result of the other guys…Plus, OSI, like everyone else is getting older and want one more payday as health has not been top notch…He is just too Risky for that kind of dough and giving up that high of a pick…OSI at 26 yoa…I am all for it
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:41 pm
Bama, stop making excuses…so let me guess..you think Ray Edward was a good pick up….explain why
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
3:42 pm
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:39 pm
Bama, so a 35yr old Abes will be much improved playing along the SIDE OF average talent like Peters, Edwards and Beerman….GTFOH
How about Lets give Nolan a chance with them before you tell Nolan to GTFOH?
GregKennesaw
April 25th, 2012
3:42 pm
Could Dunta play safety? he hits pretty hard, tackles well
jalex49
April 25th, 2012
3:42 pm
Good move. Hope something can be worked out with Franklin. He would really help the Falcons. Need him to sign if it can be worked out.
Still have the faith in the Falcons executive and coaching staff to bring in players that fit their scheme.
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:42 pm
who benefit on the falcon front 4 right now? NO FREAKING ONE!!!!!
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
3:47 pm
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:41 pm
Bama, stop making excuses…so let me guess..you think Ray Edward was a good pick up….explain why
Jury is out on Edwards as far as a pass rusher…No doubt…However, I believe a lot of our players were stunted by the schemes are lack of them that Van Gorder ran…I believe a great coach can turn what you call average players into great players and will give us a great D…Nolan has done it eveywhere he has been. Van Gorder? Not so much…I believe the talent is there and that we lacked coaching and look at all sports…coaching makes a BIG difference…That is why the top ones are so sought after….
bIG cORNER
April 25th, 2012
3:48 pm
YYYEEEAAAHHH!!!!!!!
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
3:50 pm
Bama, as you said with Osi. I hope you remember who Ray Edwards played next too. Wild kid name Jared Allen and that big wall. Even then he didn’t have wow numbers.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 25th, 2012
3:51 pm
See you all are having some fun. I’m talking to Asante at 5:30 p.m. I will have up the transcript later tonight. Feel free to send along your questions.
Falcon Jin
April 25th, 2012
3:52 pm
Nice. The way the NFL is now, you need three good corners. Probably nickel is played 50% of the time. My son argued that we now had two good corners…………….he dissed Dunte. I asked him why teams didn’t throw his way. ………………….DA ! ! ! !
DC Dirty Bird
April 25th, 2012
3:53 pm
Just looking, the logic is, better corners=coverage sacks for avg pass rushers. In this league you have to have one or the other; guys that can cover or guys that can really rush the passer. NYG has the latter. Nolan obviously prefers the former.
Kudos,
You restructure the two years for three such that you can increase your chances of being on the roster and getting all or most of the money on your contract. If he didn’t restructure, he would risk getting cut after the upcoming season. With the restructure, he likely gets more guaranteed money over the next three seasons than he would have had in the remaining two years of the deal. Most NFL contracts are backloading with heavy salaries to make the deal look bigger than it really is.
kingdaddy
April 25th, 2012
3:54 pm
Just looking
Why don’t you be just looking at all of these positive post and then just look in the mirror and ask yourself why are you such a loser without a friend in the world. Over 90% of the posters on this blog say you are wrong. Let’s see, should I go with the 90% or the 10%??? Let’s see, I think I’m smarter than everyone else, I’ll go with the 10%, yep, yep!!!
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
3:55 pm
Has he been told if he is expected to play outside on the corner or inside nb? I am sure he clarified our intentions before agreeing to terms…thx DLED
Statick
April 25th, 2012
3:59 pm
Yeaaaaaaaah, buddy!
Joe Tess Fish House
April 25th, 2012
3:59 pm
Now dis seels da rooster to shuut down the deep throat.
Just Looking
April 25th, 2012
4:03 pm
Kingdaddy…im talking football not life, there is a difference. this is a football topic stop confusing life with it.
Also at one point in time the majority thought the earth was flat, sun was center of universe, so on and so on. Moral of story, the majority is not always right.
Matt Ryan highly overrated
April 25th, 2012
4:05 pm
Asante Samuel The Eagles wanted nothing for him just a late round draft pick. you gotPipe put to you . And now you read management has done a great .Fact the man has not played a down and they wanted nothing for him . You do the math!!
Mickey Loomis
April 25th, 2012
4:05 pm
I wanted to go after Samuel, but I’m sitting home suspended:(
kingdaddy
April 25th, 2012
4:05 pm
D. Led.
I’ve got a serious question for Asante. Please ask him if at 31 years young, he’s ready to be a leader and to help elavate Atl. to a physically punishing secondary that no W/R wants to face. Ask him if he’s willing to do this week in and week out???
Joe Tess Fish House
April 25th, 2012
4:06 pm
an da Saints go machin along………………….
Joe Tess Fish House
April 25th, 2012
4:09 pm
Da Flacons dunt no what da bi doin. DA SAINTS DO ! ! ! !
kingdaddy
April 25th, 2012
4:12 pm
Just looking
Are you daft? You want to talk about life go to Ophras blog site. Once again, the rest of us are talking football. Come back to this planet spaceman. Go back and read this blog and count the negative statements. But just the ones about football ok???
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
4:15 pm
Matt Ryan highly overrated
April 25th, 2012
4:05 pm
Asante Samuel The Eagles wanted nothing for him just a late round draft pick. you gotPipe put to you . And now you read management has done a great .Fact the man has not played a down and they wanted nothing for him . You do the math!!
Cmon, man do your homwork or better yet just read an article every now and then…The stats clearly show that Samuel was the Eagles best cover corner last year…Period…They made this change because of money (like10 mil per season next year), and the fact that he would not renegotiate a deal with the Eagles…Reason being, he had run ins with the GM and the D coach about his role and wanted out of there…Believe me, or better yet go read about it, Samuels was their best corner LAST SEASON.
Eastside
April 25th, 2012
4:18 pm
Great move Falcons
What did we give the eagles for this move?
BamaGuy
April 25th, 2012
4:18 pm
Joe Tess Fish House
Give it a rest….Grow up or just find something else to do…Just so you know you were never funny…
section322
April 25th, 2012
4:18 pm
@Khaos First of all, good DBs make the DEs job easier. If they can cover for an extra secondthe pass rush can get to the QB. Secondly, moves have been made on the OL to protect Matt but cap issues(Dahl), age, injuries (McClure)and draft picks that havent panned out. Nothing in the draft is guaranteed. DEs and LTs dont fall out of the skies so hopefully new coaching will allow a quicker passing scheme for Matt
kingdaddy
April 25th, 2012
4:19 pm
So you think we are as smart as flat-earthers, huh? You just want to argue, don’t you???
Drew Brees
April 25th, 2012
4:20 pm
What about my deal?
kingdaddy
April 25th, 2012
4:27 pm
D. Led.
Ask our DLs what they think about this move. If anyone would know what this move will mean for the D., our D.Linemen should know. Honest Abe has a pretty good idea…
TB
April 25th, 2012
4:30 pm
This is a good trade to help the secondary, espically for 6 round pick but you need pass rushers to make your secondary flourish. Thats Why their defense ranked 20 in pass defense and people who think the new coach will make them a top 5 pass defense next year are very optimistic. It takes about 2 to 3 years for everything to click with a new coach. Plus the falcons will not win a superbowl until they change their offense of style or get a quaterback with an arm and then they will be a elite team.
Jeremy Shockey
April 25th, 2012
4:32 pm
Coach Williams had a bounty on me in practice, who’s laughing now HAHAHAHAHAHa
Sports Facts » Eagles Trade Asante Samuel to Falcons for Draft Pick, ESPN Says – Bloomberg
April 25th, 2012
4:33 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
atlnative
April 25th, 2012
4:41 pm
Great job by Falcon management acquiring Assante Samuel from the Philadelphia Eagles.The Falcons need to replace Todd McClure at center,and another big offensive guard would protect Matt Ryan.The center from Northern Illinois U. is a big,imposing athlete who is durable if Ben Jones of UGA is not on the draft board.
TB
April 25th, 2012
4:50 pm
This is a good trade because it was only worth a 6 round pick, but falcons need a pass rush to help secondary flourish. I know some falcons fans think the new defense of coach will help this team defense become better, and he might have to see first, but it takes about 2 to 3 yrs for stuff to click with a new coach. plus either the falcons change their offense of gameplan or get a QB with an arm to throw to the WR deep and hit them in stride until then falcons will never make it to superbowl.
My Thoughts
April 25th, 2012
4:58 pm
ESPN reports that it is a 7th round pick !!!! It might even be that compensation pick which was rumored earlier. Now do you think any chance on God’s greene arth we could get anything better than A.S. for a 7th round pick ?????
FalconFreak
April 25th, 2012
5:17 pm
It’s a start. Now for a monster OLT and then back to defense.
gman
April 25th, 2012
5:17 pm
I have obviously missed an interesting thread somewhere. Could someone fill me in on the Mika story and how we might have been boned?
Asante Samuel dealt to Falcons – ESPN | Amazing News
April 25th, 2012
5:18 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Asante Samuel dealt to Falcons – ESPN | News Room
April 25th, 2012
5:20 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Joe Tess Fish House
April 25th, 2012
5:37 pm
BamaGuy,
I am an astute observer of the proverbial gridiron and resent your ignominious insult. Your reprehensible attack on my intents, character and abilities calls upon me to question your integrity and sincerity.
Joe
Joe Tess Fish House
April 25th, 2012
5:43 pm
Meaningful discussion regarding the essential elements of athletic pursuits can be diluted by personal attacks towards the participants by certain individuals such as BamaGuy.
Gwinnett Fred
April 25th, 2012
5:48 pm
7th round pick #229 overall.
Hopefully this salary dump by the other team works out as well as Fred McGriff did for the Braves!
Joe Tess Fish House
April 25th, 2012
5:49 pm
WTF?
duronimo
April 25th, 2012
5:49 pm
Looks like we are going “small” at cornerback again.
Joe Tess Fish House
April 25th, 2012
5:49 pm
W
T
F
?
Samuel
April 25th, 2012
5:53 pm
I think Ashante Samuels will help this team considerably. Ovie might come back if he’s ‘willing to take a pay cut the Falcons can live with. also we need to find a offensive lineman who can consistently protect Matt’s blind side. As good as Matt played last year he has to play better. Now is the time to start playing at an elite level.
torgo
April 25th, 2012
5:53 pm
Still waiting to hear who will go in order to make the cap space. We can’t do it without releasing someone. And we did it, which means we made the cap work somehow.
Probably Ovie, and possibly Sam Baker with him.
Gwinnett Fred
April 25th, 2012
6:07 pm
Since Ovie & Baker both make about $3.5 million, I agree that either or both will either be gone or have to restructure their deals. That’s just too much for a fullback and a often injured backup OL.
Defense wins Titles
April 25th, 2012
7:04 pm
GM TD, Great move. First, l believe you add players that will win a Super Bowl for the Falcons. Check. Second, a Top 5 or close Defense is needed to do so. Check. Keep building a powerful D. Third, Shutdown, ballhawking db’s you never have enough. Check. Hey Coach Nolan keep building a Defensive Dynasty. Shut out Everyone. Offense hang half a hundred on everyone. Thanks TD
thejama
April 25th, 2012
7:10 pm
Falcons draft started a day early,,,nice work DImitroff and Co. With 22+million tied up in 3 DB’s there had better not be any weak links for Brees, Rodgers, Manning, etc. to pick on! Good luck tomorrow, I mean this weekend.
Ed
April 25th, 2012
7:12 pm
Hooray for TD great job bringing in Asante Samuel. Go Falcons!!
Yo Vince
April 25th, 2012
7:13 pm
If you are a REAL fan… you already have your ticket for K C game… if not, shut up and quit hatin punks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yo Vince
April 25th, 2012
7:18 pm
Joe Tess Fish Smell…. Shut up punk! This site is for fans, not dumb chics.
RUDEDAWG
April 25th, 2012
7:18 pm
Nice move to bring in a real corner,now if we could just get noodle arm,deer in the headlights,Ryan to lift some G@DDANG weights,we’d be alright! LOL Too funny!
Asante Samuel Traded To Falcons | Office Fantasy Sports
April 25th, 2012
7:36 pm
[...] Asante Samuel has agreed to 3-year deal [...]
btwarren
April 25th, 2012
7:39 pm
Love it. If Ray Edwards ican do what we got him for then our defense should be much improved. Focus on OL in the draft and a possible replacement for Michael Turner then we should be golden. Schedule does not look that tough.
Bishop E. L. Long
April 25th, 2012
7:39 pm
Now if only he can stop drew braes and the saints…I’m still concerned as a falcon fan . Rise up
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
April 25th, 2012
7:40 pm
i like the move, certainly didn’t hurt the team. either move dunta to safety or run nickel defense constantly. TD comes through again- let’s see how the draft goes…now we can eliminate a DB with the 2nd/3rd picks.
kooljay
April 25th, 2012
7:47 pm
A top Cornerback for a hella bargin,GO Falcons? Now me need to pickup a 2nd string QB,i’m tired of looking at Chris Redman?
Coach
April 25th, 2012
7:52 pm
Great, this gives us 2 good CB’s. When can we upgrade over Dunta and his waste of salary cap space?
FalcO
April 25th, 2012
8:16 pm
OPTIMUS GRIMES AND ADUNTA SAMUEL!!! Hahahahaa!
Jockich Ahn Smelley, II
April 25th, 2012
8:48 pm
Still won’t solve the Scam they have going at QB! Hey one step at a time….maybe two if Matty Ice can win ONE playoff game this year…..
Falcon James
April 25th, 2012
8:57 pm
Asanta sound too close close to Dunta, so I am not sold. Look like we over paying 3 CB
zorro
April 25th, 2012
9:12 pm
We need a backup QB .One with some NFL experience ( just incase).
Awww yeah!
April 25th, 2012
9:19 pm
Great move! Love it. Been watching 22 for a long time being a Patriots fan also. Samuel is a winner and big addition in many ways. Welcome to Atlanta Asante!!
Cornerback Smurf
April 25th, 2012
9:20 pm
Looks like my days are numbered now that Samuels is coming to town.
frank
April 25th, 2012
9:44 pm
Asante Samuel best days are behind him he’s not the same player like he was in New England.
Glanville
April 25th, 2012
9:46 pm
Sounds like a great trade. He’s a little better than Charles Dimry.
Falcons make annual offseason splash with trade for Asante Samuel | ATL Sports Junkie
April 25th, 2012
10:45 pm
[...] this afternoon, Dimitriff made his annual offseason splash by negotiating a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel. The Falcons were able to steal acquire Samuel by [...]
Keith
April 25th, 2012
10:51 pm
If the secondary covers for a half second longer and the pass rush gets to the quarterback a half second shorter then your pass defense goes from mid 20’s to top ten. It is possible with 3 quality CB’s, a healthy Edwards, Weatherspoon and an attacking D scheme by Nolan. Bend don’t break is infuriating.
Glanville
April 25th, 2012
11:18 pm
We need to bring back the ol’ Gritz Blitz!
EDDY from denver
April 26th, 2012
12:09 am
1.)The addition of a good cb in the nickle package will give more time to the DE 2.)The coaching changes would have happened last year if not for the lock-out 3.)The offense line never came together,but i believe they’re a talented group of thugs..
4.)I also believe Atlanta’s DT & DE are also a good bunch of thugs
5.)The addition of veteran injured previous pro bowl players at OL & LB could be huge
6.)Picking up under valued players off the 53 man roster cut, will happen again
7.)My prediction in the draft best available player in the following positions, WR, QB, RB
EDDY from denver
April 26th, 2012
12:11 am
Very much would like to hear others comments about my opinions!! Especially, anyone in Denver metro area
Fritz
April 26th, 2012
12:40 am
EDDY
Not a bad take. The OL needs to step it up big time in ‘12. Hopefully the new OL coach, Pat Hill, can patch up that problem.
I think they’ll try to draft a couple OL, a RB, a TE and maybe a LB or safety. I think they’d like to find a QB to start developing behind Ryan, but that’s a little more of a luxury item than a need so I think it’ll probably fall behind a few of the other positions I mentioned. I’m not saying they won’t draft a QB, but I think it’d have to be a guy they really like who happens to make sense at a certain pick as opposed to them going out and actively seeking a QB.
wcbryan80
April 26th, 2012
1:36 am
hope he turns out to be a better investment for us than D. Robinson was and still is…would be hard for him not to be!
That being said, welcome to the team Asante…I think this is a great pick-up
FalconFanInVT
April 26th, 2012
3:05 am
YES YES YES!!!
mrzizzle
April 26th, 2012
4:41 am
This signing is another nail in the Saints coffin!
Morning Reads for Thursday, April 26th — Peach Pundit
April 26th, 2012
5:21 am
[...] few that I like… – Braves: 4, Dodgers: 2 – The Falcons picked up Asante Samuel yesterday to bolster their defense. – Deadspin weighs in on the recent ESPN article on use of [...]
YourPoliticalAnimal
April 26th, 2012
6:23 am
Good trade…now wake me when the Bills pick @ #10…ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZz
Newest Falcon
April 26th, 2012
7:36 am
A BIG Atlanta welcome to Assante Samuel. Great talent and very excitng players to watch. Glad he is on our team.
Tell it like it is
April 26th, 2012
8:35 am
Good deal Falcons! Even if it don’t work out,at lease you did something.
rumpdiddy
April 26th, 2012
8:58 am
HEREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE we go again.
Another “Top flight” free agent get’s signed to the Falcons
We as Falcons fans get excited
Said player comes here gets addicted to Atlanta’s nightlife
Player doesn’t practice as hard or watch film cuz he’s too busy partying
Said player becomes a Flop
Repeat cycle!!!
SouthernEagle
April 26th, 2012
9:04 am
Big Play Ray comes back, that’s who Assante reminds me off, he’ll either make a big play or give up one.
Ex Falcon Lover
April 26th, 2012
9:28 am
Is the year 2012 or 2007? Asante Samuel’s best years are behind him… This guy is going to take risks and give up big plays this year. Here goes another Atlanta move when a guy’s prime is over like the Hawks with Stackhouse and McGrady… Atlanta wake up you have to develop your own players and quit trying to sign someoneelse trash. Philadelphia Eagles is a first class organization do you think they are going to wait until a guy just doesn’t have it anymore to put him on the trading block. The Falcons just sign names the DE from last year, 1st rd DT from Ole Miss, Dunta Robinson, and now Asante… This organization is garbage. All that money tied in the secondary and none of these guys can cover Fitzgerald, Megatron, or Greg Jennings one on one. Safety help up top all day for great corners you guys call them… lol These guys can only demand this money in Atlanta no where else… Poor Arthur the demise of the Fall Coons!!! Home Depot money going to waste… SMH See you guys in the endzone with these so call Shut Down Corners… If we played Madden with these guys nobody has a rating above 86 out of a 100 and that’s shutdown Reavis Island is shut down…
Ex Falcon Lover
April 26th, 2012
9:32 am
Falcons pass rush and Asante staring in the backfield = BURN, BURN, BURN
Von
April 26th, 2012
10:36 am
The Saints fans are still here…and will be, even without a head coach. Good pick up with Samuel, but yet again paying too much on secondary players. The question is can he stay healthy the entire year…why do you think the Eagles were trying to trade him for 2 years? If you can get a good healthy young player, like the Saints getting Lofton who’s best years are still ahead of him, then you position your team for long term. But, Asante is a definite upgrade although in my mind a temporary one. Grimes is excellent and still the best corner on that team. You all been trying to Rise Up for the last 20 years. All in all, it begins and ends with the QB, and ya’ll will NEVER rise up with Ryan. He just can’t fly as high as ya’ll need to go!
Mikey
April 26th, 2012
10:37 am
Welcome to Atlanta Mr. Samuels! This is a GREAT move by TD and the gang. All the superbowl winners that the Falcons faced in the first round of the playoffs have exploited their shallow Cornerback pool with numerous great receivers and great quarterbacks. This plugs that gap very well while some potentially great young CBs develop.This also gives us more flexibility in the upcoming draft to pick off some great talent at other areas of need. Can’t wait to see this draft unfold. TD and gang seem to do a remarkable job getting top value out of late round picks. GO FALCONS! RISE UP!
PapaK
April 26th, 2012
10:41 am
I believe the falcons will trade Grimes for a first round draft choice. It makes sense. Do they need 3 starting cornerbacks?
Bipolarfancon
April 26th, 2012
11:46 am
Just turn my pc on..surprisingly there it is I see the name”Samuel”..my tooth suddenly jumping out of my mouth while i was choking to death,it is running out living room floor screaming Hoooooorrrrayyyyy!
thats what i am talking about i was right about go after Samuel..but I still can’t believe right now, Is Asante Samuel with us for real? or Am i still in dream land?
Coachurly
April 26th, 2012
2:00 pm
No team is giving up a first-rounder for Brent Grimes, PapaK. That’s just not happening.
Enkinan
April 26th, 2012
2:27 pm
What a steal. Great news
PapaK
April 26th, 2012
2:45 pm
Coach, There are plenty of teams that would take Grimes in a heartbeat. A team will always take a proven player over a rookie. What rookie can play cornerback like Brent Grimes? He’s young, very good and is worth a #1.
Coachurly
April 26th, 2012
3:00 pm
I agree with you Papa about a lot of teams wanting Grimes. I love the little guy’s effort. He’s a good corner. But no one is going to give a first round pick for him. A third maybe unless the Raiders somehow get involved.
Joe Tess Fish House
April 26th, 2012
3:50 pm
Mi not bi no girl!
I’m a man………………….I’m 40!
DirtyBirdGabe
April 26th, 2012
4:14 pm
O-line is needed, also the coaching factor needs to be addressed. My opinon is many games were lost or too close for comfort due to the coaching, espcailly on Dfense.
Joe Tess Fish House
April 26th, 2012
5:31 pm
I hate to say it, but with what the Falcants have for this season at this point, they need to add only three players:
A STUD Offensive line-man.
Another good O-lineman.
One more stud D-line-man (or line-woman….HA HA).
That would seal it.
Joe
J-Lo
April 26th, 2012
5:49 pm
Samuel gets ALL my respect. Even last year with all of the drama in the philly secondary, he was still top 5 in many categories. And MOST IMPORTANTLY, HE is the reason he came to Atlanta and not Denver. He is an Atlanta hero.
GameChanger
April 26th, 2012
8:30 pm
Without a pass rush these guys are going to VERY BUSY. A good pass rush can make a mediocre secondary look all-pro, but not the other way around. Bad move. Should concentrate on OL and DL.
GameChanger
April 26th, 2012
8:40 pm
Hey Von, you can have Lofton. The Falcons had the worst 3rd down defense in the league. Now the Saints will have that distinction. He made a lot of tackles…12 yards down the field after they already had a first down. Haaaaaa! Good pickup. Why do you think the Falcons traded him?
BTW, has Brees signed yet or is he holding out for a new head coach?
Morning Reads for Thursday, April 26th
April 26th, 2012
9:27 pm
[...] few that I like… – Braves: 4, Dodgers: 2 – The Falcons picked up Asante Samuel yesterday to bolster their defense. – Deadspin weighs in on the recent ESPN article on use of [...]
Falcon James
April 26th, 2012
9:48 pm
Dunta will always be Dunta, but now Dunta better play some ball or he be in the the nickle slot. That being said, LET;S GET IT ON!!!
I am ready for some football!
Flo=Ri-Duh
April 27th, 2012
9:24 am
Samuel was the one they wanted to trade so obviously the other CB’s were considered to be better. Let’s see what he has left. Without a pass rush these over paid and over.over rated DB’s still won’t cover and make tackles. Dunta should be traded – he’s a bust.
Kelly
April 27th, 2012
1:22 pm
Great move Birds! I agree w/ a lot of things I’ve read above, especially that the time to win is NOW.